May 24, 2023 • 23 mins
Let's Talk - Cobra Kai
Episode 147: The Karate Kid & Cobra Kai - Collectibles - Vol. 03
Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez discuss and unpack The Two-Time All Valley Champions Box Set from Diamond Select Toys featuring Johnny Lawrence & Daniel LaRusso.
Recorded: 04-18-23
Studio: Just Curious Media
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Jason Connell (00:01):
Whoa, just curious. Welcome to Just curious
media. This is let's talk CobraKai. I'm Jason Connell.
Sal Rodriguez (00:11):
And I'm Sal Rodriguez.
Jason Connell (00:12):
All right, so we are back for another episode.
Sal Rodriguez (00:18):
Yeah Jason I feel like you've been indulging me
heavily with with with theseepisodes here the you know this
with this wheelhouse as you sayit is
Jason Connell (00:25):
true. It is true, but I'm getting merch.
Sal Rodriguez (00:29):
You are getting merch.
Jason Connell (00:30):
I feel compelled.
Because today we are doing ouron our third. But let me be
specific, the Karate Kid andCobra Kai collectables, volume
three, it is our third, it istrue. And it's happened in a
short amount of time because allthe sudden we do one episode, we
do Volume One, which to beclear. Jason Connell and Sal
(00:54):
Rodriguez discuss the toyindustry and how it impacts the
Karate Kid and Cobra Kaicollectibles in the past,
present and future. I thought itwas a great discussion. We got
into all sorts of things, someof the toys you've had the how
the markets shifted. But thenVolume Two comes about because
you got to some figures. I havemy own figures. I was like,
(01:16):
well, we got to do something. SoVolume Two was Jason Connell and
Sal Rodriguez discuss and unpackthe Karate Kid Miyagi dough
training boxset from iconheroes, featuring Mr. Miyagi,
and Daniel.
Sal Rodriguez (01:35):
Yeah, and the definitive Miyagi and Daniel
Tupac. I would say
Jason Connell (01:39):
Tupac. Yeah. So we did that. I'd never been part
of an unpacking and unveiling inthat way, Sal. So I was like,
Oh, that was fun. Okay, and Ihave these figures. And it was
cool. There's all thesechangeable parts, and it has the
whole wax on wax off. I waslike, wow, really, you know,
intricate, so many things tobreak down. And I figured, hey,
(01:59):
we're good for a while. But no,there's volume three. Yeah. And
who are we discussing today? Soon. Let's talk Cobra Kai.
Sal Rodriguez (02:12):
Well, I just have happened to learn about these
recent action figures. You know,unfortunately, I'm not on the
email list from these companies.
I'm not I'm not to the level aslet's say a YouTube Toy
reviewer. Where I'm like,they're reaching out to me you
know, I got a notice somethingand go hey, wait a second. And
then yeah, so I contactedDiamond Select My friend over at
(02:32):
Diamond Select. His name isZach. Hey, Zack. Remember you
sent me some figures before Idid a review on the Salvador Los
Angeles channel How about I do areview on the channel again but
also mentioned you on Let's TalkCobra Kai? How about that have
Jason Connell (02:49):
a system mentioned Oh then hey, way to go
Diamond Select? Well
Sal Rodriguez (02:54):
Jason you've been generous enough to not just give
a mention but to give an entireepisode to these companies
that's that's very nice for youand today we're looking at the
definitive I would saydefinitive all valley to pack
with Daniel and Johnny this isnot necessarily Cobra Kai not
necessarily Karate Kid per sedoesn't say Karate Kid well But
(03:15):
hang on but it doesn't sayKarate Kid anywhere on the
packaging which I think basicmakes it a novelty and
significant because usually it'sgoing to say you know have an
icon or an emblem or a logoyou're gonna see karate kid or
something. You're gonna see theCobra Kai logo know what this is
this commemorates our two twotime all Valley champions Yeah,
(03:36):
that's two wins each and this isa commemorative salute to pack
by Diamond Select.
Jason Connell (03:43):
It even says karate championships. All Valley
sports arena so all Valley gottaplug. They're nice. And let us
not forget when we recordedtogether this past summer for
The Next Karate Kid. We were inthe valley in just minutes away
from the actual all Valleysports arena at CES. That's
(04:05):
right. Remember that?
Sal Rodriguez (04:06):
Forget about that. Because we were in
Northridge, right? Yes, we wereand they were in Northridge,
North just down the NorthridgeNorthridge doesn't get enough
props shout out Northridge shoutout Northridge shout out CSUN.
Jason Connell (04:18):
Yes, your sibling went there. Your sister went
there.
Sal Rodriguez (04:22):
I believe I had at least one sibling go to CSUN
I believe I believe that, Ibelieve well, you know, they're
older than me. I don't know whatthe hell they were doing. Well,
they were in college, I wasrunning the streets, you know,
that's true.
Jason Connell (04:31):
Well, so this isn't unpacking unveiling but
we're doing a little bitunconventionally, minus still
inbox and I but the box isreally a big part of this. And I
can open it and show you inbox.
You couldn't wait, you unboxed.
So we'll do ping pong back andforth about this. The way we do
(04:52):
it. However, there's also and Iwon't read it yet. I'll wait a
second but there's this greatwriting on the back of the box
and I'll I'll try to do my bestthere because it sets the stage
So, you said it though. So it isa celebration of two of our
heroes. Johnny Lawrence. Right.
Daniela Russo. And they both wonall Valley two times. Yep. And I
(05:12):
love that it's great. AlthoughI'd like to see a Daryl of a
doll one as well. But that'sthis me. And let's show the box
first and foremost, if you cansee it. This is this beautiful
box. You can see that the fist
Sal Rodriguez (05:31):
you know what it looks like? Jason doesn't look
like it would be like a DVD orsorry, a VHS box that totally
Jason Connell (05:37):
Yeah, what it looks like before I open it. I'm
gonna spin around slowly.
Sal Rodriguez (05:41):
Oh, beautiful. I think of that, like that fist
golden fist. Oh,
Jason Connell (05:44):
that's the real Darrell would love this. It'd be
in blue. If Darrell was incharge. There's the back which I
want to read try to read thissmall font. The bottom part is
really talking about how manypoints of articulation which
I'll let Sal cover he reallyknows his figures and
collectibles. And here's theother side. And then nothing
really on top or bottom. So nowto show you. Oh,
Sal Rodriguez (06:09):
so beautiful.
Really beautiful. I always saythis I know I've said this
before on our show for sure. Andthat is that I am an out of box
collector I take figures andtoys out of their boxes here out
of the box. But like thissomething like this. I would not
fault anyone for leaving themjust leaving them because it's
such a beautiful display a sideby side. Yes. It almost looks
like it'd be like a like amuseum exhibit or like a wax
(06:31):
museum like life size figurines.
Totally. They really look great.
They look great to get shot
Jason Connell (06:37):
on right here Johnny on the left and it says
to time Johnny Lawrence champion8283 to time Daniel Russo
champion so two time championDaniel Lewis 8485. So I really
do love that now. Do I see anylogo? Well, you've got the
figures. Why don't you takeover? What are we looking at
(07:00):
here? Can we see any logo can wesee a Cobra Kai logo Miyagi
dough logo on their GIS.
Sal Rodriguez (07:07):
Let me sneak in the journey here. There's the
back of Johnny Lawrence.
Jason Connell (07:12):
Oh yeah. Does it say Cobra Kai?
Sal Rodriguez (07:15):
It says Cobra Kai luck yellow and black design and
of course Johnny has in hissleeveless gi so this is the
official ad for all Valley lucknow the thing of it is this
isn't necessarily what 16 yearold Johnny Lawrence though it's
almost more like an adult JohnnyLawrence representing his former
(07:37):
self it's almost like he'srepresenting his own childhood
which is kind of twilight zoneit
Jason Connell (07:42):
you're gonna fight in the Masters division
now.
Sal Rodriguez (07:45):
There should be a Masters division former
champions masters division. Andthen we have of course the back
of Daniel Russo has me
Jason Connell (07:54):
yeah, nice There we go. Always got one more of
those things that the icon herehas had the chest the middle
Sal Rodriguez (08:02):
Yes, yes, they call that a diaphragm slice to
be honest I'm not I'm not notjust love big fan. You know what
happens a few years ago nowfirst of all, just to be clear,
I love Diamond Select they're abig part of my overall toy
collection I also make Marvelfigures they make beautiful
Avengers figures Diamond Selectis also Marvel Select if you
(08:22):
ever see that name on any Marvelfigures it is indeed the same
company Diamond Select okay ilove Diamond Select I love
Marvel Select and unfortunatelywhat Diamond Select and by
consequence Marvel Select haveboth done is they've kind of
bent and suede to the people whoreally love a lot of
articulation. Now what the morearticulation the better. So what
(08:43):
happens is they put morearticulation and figure but I do
think when you do so you losesome of the sculpt, you lose
some of the aesthetics. So allof a sudden the the waistline
looks a little bit verydifferent. Yes, yeah, it has
sort of a weird right there.
There you can see it. Okay,right there, you see that slice.
It gives you more movement,right, but then it looks weird.
So it's nothing against DiamondSelect. But it has to do with
(09:05):
that style that slice I'm not abig fan of that slice, I would
rather just go ahead and have asolid torso. And then you can
just go ahead and have the waisttwist.
Jason Connell (09:15):
You want to do that maybe have actual cloth
ghee on
Sal Rodriguez (09:19):
them. That's going to change the whole look
though. And that gets into acertain kind of figure. That's
the retro style, the migos stylefigures, which have their
following and I've got severalbut some people don't like the
real cloth. They don't like therequest. They like the all
plastic look. So here No.
Jason Connell (09:34):
Waste is a bit odd, but I've seen that more and
more. Oh, there they are. Theyhave the headbands on. Who's
taller, taller, because in thislooks like Johnny's a little bit
taller, but I'm in box.
Sal Rodriguez (09:47):
I think they're about the same height. I don't
think they're the same height inreal life. Right? But I think
these are all about same becausewhat they do is they may just
reuse the body just painteddifferently. This may be the
same exact body with differentplastic moldings on a different
design but actually the sameSame exact figure except for the
colors and the head itself and
Jason Connell (10:04):
aged because they're definitely not in the
80s
Sal Rodriguez (10:08):
this is not young
Jason Connell (10:09):
Daniels like 35 year olds running around
Sal Rodriguez (10:13):
Okay, so it's not current day Yeah, it's sort of
like a yeah like a 30 Somethinginteresting a 30 Something
Johnnie a 30 Something Danielspeaking of as part of a
previous release by DiamondSelect we have our friend Chris
crease here. Merry Christmascrease. Crease Kringle.
Jason Connell (10:30):
Wow. So are they all are part of the same company
right Diamond Select?
Sal Rodriguez (10:35):
Oh yeah, this is a Diamond Select figure. This is
John crease. This was part of athree pack that was previously
released by divers. Does he
Jason Connell (10:41):
have the tattoo on the arm there? Oh my gosh.
Wow. It is? Yeah. Does he lookyounger? I'm trying to like see
oh,
Sal Rodriguez (10:51):
yeah, well, what Martin Cagney, Lacey Cagney and
Lacey Martin Cove. Yeah. Sothere's how he looks together.
Jason Connell (10:59):
That'd be clear.
I wasn't calling him Cagney andLacey. He was on the show Cagney
and Lacey back in the 80s.
Sal Rodriguez (11:05):
Oh, yeah. No, I remember him. No, I
Jason Connell (11:07):
thought I know.
First. I know, you
Sal Rodriguez (11:09):
know, but when I first saw Karate Kid for the
first time, I think I knew thatguy from CAG. Yeah, I saw him on
some ABC show.
Jason Connell (11:16):
earlier. I was saying to time Johnny Lawrence
champion. It's just the way it'swritten. Obviously, I was
supposed to say two timechampion, Danny Lawrence.
Sal Rodriguez (11:25):
No, no, you were announcing it.
Jason Connell (11:26):
I just said Daniel Lawrence. That was a
mashup. It's late in RhodeIsland two time champion, Johnny
Lawrence. Two time champion,Daniel Russo. It is late in
Rhode Island. It's pushing 1am.
And we don't usually record thislate but we're having fun. So
beautiful set. Now let's look atthe back because the back this
isn't really beautiful that theyhave this come up with their own
(11:49):
little verbiage here. Let usread this and try to be fun and
festive and you can insert theactual figures during the during
the speech here. So and it's asmall font. So here we go. Since
1969, the all Valley under 18karate tournament has crowned a
new champion of excellence everyyear to distinguish young
(12:13):
martial artists excelled theirway to consecutive
championships, Johnny Lawrencein 1982 and 1983 and Daniel
Russo in 1984 and 1985. Bothhave since passed on their
teachings. Lawrence at Cobra Kaiand later Eagle fan karate, and
(12:35):
lo Russo at his Miyagi dough andtrain new all Valley
competitors. There you have it.
A very beautiful commemorativeset. All Valley embraces them
both. However, so well. JohnnyLawrence has gotten the short
(12:59):
end of the stick on the show.
Anytime they talk about two timechampion. It took Daniel low
Russa to go over and say he alsowon two times and then he's
acknowledged when you walk intothe all Valley sports arena. You
see right arena not complex. Yousee who hanging from the rafters
(13:20):
those old photos you see Danielhe's always the one that
everyone wants to like put ontheir you know arms and carry
around and even Johnny getsworked up with his Daniel here.
All right, loose. So here yougo. But Johnny doesn't get
enough recognition sound just tobe clear.
Sal Rodriguez (13:41):
Well, I think that's what started the whole
Cobra Kai movement is right andwhat Oh, totally. Yes, right.
The old ace degenerate. Hestarted as ace degenerate, he's
no longer now he's at least ashis evolution. Jason, I want to
give an honorable mention. Ihappened to discover this figure
at target one. Okay. And this isa Hasbro. Daniel Russo. What
(14:03):
they did is they merged CobraKai and the Power Rangers. Yeah,
they merge Power Rangers withCobra Kai and we have a White
Ranger Daniel Russo. This ismade by Hasbro. They also made a
Sam the SAM does not look somuch like Sam. But they also
have a SAM so they have a Samand that doesn't look like
Daniel. Well, this is the PowerRangers Cobra Kai action figure
(14:26):
hybrid by Hasbro. BBD it's aBuck Rogers and they go Twiggy
they they go It does look realsmall connects to the look how
much bigger look how much biggerthe Diamond Select is.
Jason Connell (14:35):
Wow. Wow,
Sal Rodriguez (14:37):
it looks like you'd be his son. This this
should be Anthony Russo. Yeah,totally. This should be
Jason Connell (14:42):
well, back to this box. The celebration of
these champions I get it so theydon't really embrace Gianni
until now. Right they did backthen. Until he lost all of a
sudden he's like yeah two timechamp whatever. We got the new
champ here. Let us not forget weshould not overly celebrate 80
(15:04):
fives Championship. The waywe're talking about two time
champ they're playing up 85 abit heavy here a bit heavy hand.
It's all I'm saying. All Thingsaren't equal. Right? We didn't
see Johnny when? In 8283. But wesaw Johnny compete in 84. And he
would have won that. Had it goneany longer. Right? Yeah. Well,
(15:27):
of course, Daniel had a bunch ofD cues to get there and he had a
tough road there. But I ventureto say that Johnny in 82 and 83
didn't win how Daniel wanted 85.
So I just want to be on therecord. Once again. 85 Daniel
Russo, the champ scored onepoint in the entire all Valley
(15:48):
tournament.
Sal Rodriguez (15:52):
For the record, Jason Connell would like to put
an asterisk next to the 85
Jason Connell (15:57):
I'm not dissing Daniel, I love Daniela Russo.
I'm generally making fun ofcredit card part three and the
tack Don Valley that they have.
Sal Rodriguez (16:07):
While the all Valley rules Yeah, you have to
talk to the valley board. Theboard. Five Board, who was the
85 board who decided that thatwas okay to do
Jason Connell (16:17):
my god. Something just hit me. Something just hit
me and I wonder.
Sal Rodriguez (16:24):
Yeah,
Jason Connell (16:25):
I'm speculating here. But we know that Terry
silver, John crease, and MikeBarnes all got a lifetime ban.
Yes, after the Karate Kid partthree and into Cobra Kai, it was
since changed because, you know,they got to compete, but they
had to prove themselves but theywere banned. And we were always
(16:46):
speculated what was it? Was itbecause they were doing Mike
Barnes beat him up, get a pointtaken away and then score a
point which has its own sidestory. That's ridiculous that
you can hurt someone lose apoint but not be D queued as
they were in the Karate Kid WhenDutch got D queued and know that
(17:06):
sorry, Destiny get the kid helost but Bobby got the kid. But
that said maybe just maybe theyhad the lifetime ban because
Terry silver paid off all valleywith these. Like, could that be
the case? Like you went in hereand you're paying off these guys
(17:28):
to get Daniel to be in and ziphim to the finals? It was some
of that at play. Have we evertalked about that?
Sal Rodriguez (17:37):
I don't know.
Jason. I don't know. You knowwhat they say that like a cop? I
think I heard this from a cop.
The first time you catchsomebody shoplifting is not the
first time they shop. Exactly.
Okay, so so we got to see Terrysilver pay off a referee? Yeah.
Yeah. Probably not his firsttime doing that. No.
Jason Connell (17:54):
Wow. And I bet he paid off people on all Valley
just to get Daniel and like,Hey, let him skip ahead. Was
that really all Valley's ruleson their own? Or were they
influenced? Anyway, I just hadto point it out. Very
interesting not to take awayfrom Diamond Select. I really
love this.
Sal Rodriguez (18:12):
Oh, no, no, Jason Jason you're not taking away
from doing select becausebecause Diamond Select will be
releasing a three pack very soonnow featuring Johnny Lawrence.
chosen to Gucci. And Terrysilver. If I'm not mistaken, the
first Terry silver will be anaction figure form coming up
soon by Diamond Scylla. Wait,who is in it? John is gonna be
(18:35):
Johnny chosen Terry.
Jason Connell (18:37):
Are they are they friends? And are pros of Daniel.
What is?
Sal Rodriguez (18:43):
Yeah, you know what? It's the ultimate foes
pack is what it could be.
Jason Connell (18:46):
Yeah, it's foes before burrows. Yeah,
Sal Rodriguez (18:49):
I don't know. I don't know how now that you
mentioned, I don't know howthey're reconciling that three
pack but somehow they're sellingit as a three pack and if
they're selling a three packwith chosen Johnny and Terry,
I'm buying it act now.
Hopefully, because hopefullythey'll just said yes.
Jason Connell (19:01):
And as one act now and you can get all of the
foes from the Karate Kid when hefought Johnny Lawrence. And then
it was well, I guess John creaseis not in there. He could be in
there too. Right. But he couldbe but we already have here. The
second movie was absolutely. ToGucci chosen. And then the third
(19:21):
movie, it was Terry silver, butChris was there. He was thought
to be dead. But Chris surfaced.
Yeah. Wow. Fascinating stuff.
Yeah, the mortal enemy pack.
Sal Rodriguez (19:34):
I like it. Jason.
A couple things I want tomention about these figures
before we close here is you willnotice that the figures have a
hole on the back right there.
You can see that little hole.
Okay, you can see that littlehole and that is because inside
the box are what you call aflight stance. I think they call
it flight stance and that is astance that you can stick into
their back. And then you canhave them holding various poses
(19:55):
various martial arts poses thatthey otherwise be able to hold
and They also have holes in thebottom of their feet so you can
put them on stands as well soyou have many options to make
these not only articulatedfigures but also figures in
motion holding cool martial artsposes nice any way that you
like. So yeah, when you open upthe packaging, you will see
(20:16):
those stands inside there arealso some extra hands. So these
are not the only hands that theycome with. I believe they also
have at least one other extraset or about three hands each.
So there's a total of abouteight hands. Wow. Yeah, I think
they each have a pair I thinkthat's what they have parents.
lethal. Lethal Weapon handsperfect weapon.
Jason Connell (20:36):
perfect weapon.
Yeah, like those little holes onthem. That's good for yeah,
definitely videos and doingreviews and such also great at
all valley. If it did stick oneof those guys up on the board
there.
Sal Rodriguez (20:49):
What they need is a real nice all Valley playset.
That would be Yeah,
Jason Connell (20:52):
that's amazing.
So Chris, again, on his own, butit's also Diamond Select right?
Yep. Okay, and then the threepack comes out when
Sal Rodriguez (21:02):
I don't have a definitive date. I think it may
be the third quarter of thisyear. So but it is on its way.
It might be a conventionexclusive. But maybe if our new
friend Zack at Diamond Select iskind to us, we might be able to
get our hands on that three packand be able to get to have those
here in studio talking aboutYeah, the great foes of the
Karate Kid.
Jason Connell (21:21):
So if you're at Target or online or wherever you
go, how much to set you back.
Sal Rodriguez (21:27):
You know, this is a specialty set. Although I was
able to find the Mighty MorphinPower Rangers, Daniel Russo on
the shelf at Target. I'd be hardpressed to believe that the all
Valley set will be at Target. Ibelieve it'll probably have to
be ordered online. So I've justtell everybody to go to your
favorite toy providers, Whoeversells Karate Kid Cobra Kai
merchandise and particularlyaction figures and ask about the
all Valley Johnny and DanielTupac by Diamond Select.
Jason Connell (21:50):
But how much can they expect to pay for this? Ah,
ballpark?
Sal Rodriguez (21:55):
I'm gonna guess about 100 Yeah, okay, that's
gonna be my guess I don't knowfor certain because again, these
were donated samples to us byDiamond Select so I'm gonna
guess it's about $100 I wouldimagine and I'm gonna, I'm gonna
mark my words. We're approachingthe final season of Cobra Kai.
Once that season has come andgone, these figures will go up
in value and will go up in cost.
Jason Connell (22:16):
And I totally agree with you and I have now
signed this one and this oneshouldn't have the roof at the
Sal Rodriguez (22:23):
top Cobra Kai all Valley pack. I love it.
Jason Connell (22:26):
Amazing, Sal.
Thank you. Thank you, Zack.
Thank you Diamond Select. Ireally liked these and I will
unbox them but since you did it,it helps us noise not to have me
do it as well. So I'm gonna putthese down.
Sal Rodriguez (22:38):
I don't know Jason, you're a minimalist. You
don't like a lot of clutter. No,I think you've got a nice
display there in the box. I saylet me let me have him running
around. Yeah, my apartment. Keepthem in the box. They look
gorgeous. I'll have mine loose.
Jason Connell (22:50):
Sounds good. I love it. So until we come back
for volume for whatever that maybe. It's been a lot of fun.
We've covered three volumes andthere are a lot more Karate Kid
and Cobra Kai collectiblescoming your way. Yes. So thank
you so much for listening andplease be sure to subscribe to
(23:11):
the let's talk Cobra Kai podcastand the let's talk Cobra Kai
YouTube Live Channel. You canalso really help us by giving
the show a five star rating onApple podcast.
Sal Rodriguez (23:22):
And for all you listeners and enjoy sharing your
thoughts you can leave us areview on Apple podcasts, send
us a direct message or post acomment on any let's talk Cobra
Kai social media platform.
Jason Connell (23:32):
We also highly recommend checking out her other
podcast and visiting justcurious media.com
Sal Rodriguez (23:40):
No Mercy
Whoa, just curious. Welcome to Just curious
media. This is let's talk CobraKai. I'm Jason Connell.
Sal Rodriguez (00:11):
And I'm Sal Rodriguez.
Jason Connell (00:12):
All right, so we are back for another episode.
Sal Rodriguez (00:18):
Yeah Jason I feel like you've been indulging me
heavily with with with theseepisodes here the you know this
with this wheelhouse as you sayit is
Jason Connell (00:25):
true. It is true, but I'm getting merch.
Sal Rodriguez (00:29):
You are getting merch.
Jason Connell (00:30):
I feel compelled.
Because today we are doing ouron our third. But let me be
specific, the Karate Kid andCobra Kai collectables, volume
three, it is our third, it istrue. And it's happened in a
short amount of time because allthe sudden we do one episode, we
do Volume One, which to beclear. Jason Connell and Sal
(00:54):
Rodriguez discuss the toyindustry and how it impacts the
Karate Kid and Cobra Kaicollectibles in the past,
present and future. I thought itwas a great discussion. We got
into all sorts of things, someof the toys you've had the how
the markets shifted. But thenVolume Two comes about because
you got to some figures. I havemy own figures. I was like,
(01:16):
well, we got to do something. SoVolume Two was Jason Connell and
Sal Rodriguez discuss and unpackthe Karate Kid Miyagi dough
training boxset from iconheroes, featuring Mr. Miyagi,
and Daniel.
Sal Rodriguez (01:35):
Yeah, and the definitive Miyagi and Daniel
Tupac. I would say
Jason Connell (01:39):
Tupac. Yeah. So we did that. I'd never been part
of an unpacking and unveiling inthat way, Sal. So I was like,
Oh, that was fun. Okay, and Ihave these figures. And it was
cool. There's all thesechangeable parts, and it has the
whole wax on wax off. I waslike, wow, really, you know,
intricate, so many things tobreak down. And I figured, hey,
(01:59):
we're good for a while. But no,there's volume three. Yeah. And
who are we discussing today? Soon. Let's talk Cobra Kai.
Sal Rodriguez (02:12):
Well, I just have happened to learn about these
recent action figures. You know,unfortunately, I'm not on the
email list from these companies.
I'm not I'm not to the level aslet's say a YouTube Toy
reviewer. Where I'm like,they're reaching out to me you
know, I got a notice somethingand go hey, wait a second. And
then yeah, so I contactedDiamond Select My friend over at
(02:32):
Diamond Select. His name isZach. Hey, Zack. Remember you
sent me some figures before Idid a review on the Salvador Los
Angeles channel How about I do areview on the channel again but
also mentioned you on Let's TalkCobra Kai? How about that have
Jason Connell (02:49):
a system mentioned Oh then hey, way to go
Diamond Select? Well
Sal Rodriguez (02:54):
Jason you've been generous enough to not just give
a mention but to give an entireepisode to these companies
that's that's very nice for youand today we're looking at the
definitive I would saydefinitive all valley to pack
with Daniel and Johnny this isnot necessarily Cobra Kai not
necessarily Karate Kid per sedoesn't say Karate Kid well But
(03:15):
hang on but it doesn't sayKarate Kid anywhere on the
packaging which I think basicmakes it a novelty and
significant because usually it'sgoing to say you know have an
icon or an emblem or a logoyou're gonna see karate kid or
something. You're gonna see theCobra Kai logo know what this is
this commemorates our two twotime all Valley champions Yeah,
(03:36):
that's two wins each and this isa commemorative salute to pack
by Diamond Select.
Jason Connell (03:43):
It even says karate championships. All Valley
sports arena so all Valley gottaplug. They're nice. And let us
not forget when we recordedtogether this past summer for
The Next Karate Kid. We were inthe valley in just minutes away
from the actual all Valleysports arena at CES. That's
(04:05):
right. Remember that?
Sal Rodriguez (04:06):
Forget about that. Because we were in
Northridge, right? Yes, we wereand they were in Northridge,
North just down the NorthridgeNorthridge doesn't get enough
props shout out Northridge shoutout Northridge shout out CSUN.
Jason Connell (04:18):
Yes, your sibling went there. Your sister went
there.
Sal Rodriguez (04:22):
I believe I had at least one sibling go to CSUN
I believe I believe that, Ibelieve well, you know, they're
older than me. I don't know whatthe hell they were doing. Well,
they were in college, I wasrunning the streets, you know,
that's true.
Jason Connell (04:31):
Well, so this isn't unpacking unveiling but
we're doing a little bitunconventionally, minus still
inbox and I but the box isreally a big part of this. And I
can open it and show you inbox.
You couldn't wait, you unboxed.
So we'll do ping pong back andforth about this. The way we do
(04:52):
it. However, there's also and Iwon't read it yet. I'll wait a
second but there's this greatwriting on the back of the box
and I'll I'll try to do my bestthere because it sets the stage
So, you said it though. So it isa celebration of two of our
heroes. Johnny Lawrence. Right.
Daniela Russo. And they both wonall Valley two times. Yep. And I
(05:12):
love that it's great. AlthoughI'd like to see a Daryl of a
doll one as well. But that'sthis me. And let's show the box
first and foremost, if you cansee it. This is this beautiful
box. You can see that the fist
Sal Rodriguez (05:31):
you know what it looks like? Jason doesn't look
like it would be like a DVD orsorry, a VHS box that totally
Jason Connell (05:37):
Yeah, what it looks like before I open it. I'm
gonna spin around slowly.
Sal Rodriguez (05:41):
Oh, beautiful. I think of that, like that fist
golden fist. Oh,
Jason Connell (05:44):
that's the real Darrell would love this. It'd be
in blue. If Darrell was incharge. There's the back which I
want to read try to read thissmall font. The bottom part is
really talking about how manypoints of articulation which
I'll let Sal cover he reallyknows his figures and
collectibles. And here's theother side. And then nothing
really on top or bottom. So nowto show you. Oh,
Sal Rodriguez (06:09):
so beautiful.
Really beautiful. I always saythis I know I've said this
before on our show for sure. Andthat is that I am an out of box
collector I take figures andtoys out of their boxes here out
of the box. But like thissomething like this. I would not
fault anyone for leaving themjust leaving them because it's
such a beautiful display a sideby side. Yes. It almost looks
like it'd be like a like amuseum exhibit or like a wax
(06:31):
museum like life size figurines.
Totally. They really look great.
They look great to get shot
Jason Connell (06:37):
on right here Johnny on the left and it says
to time Johnny Lawrence champion8283 to time Daniel Russo
champion so two time championDaniel Lewis 8485. So I really
do love that now. Do I see anylogo? Well, you've got the
figures. Why don't you takeover? What are we looking at
(07:00):
here? Can we see any logo can wesee a Cobra Kai logo Miyagi
dough logo on their GIS.
Sal Rodriguez (07:07):
Let me sneak in the journey here. There's the
back of Johnny Lawrence.
Jason Connell (07:12):
Oh yeah. Does it say Cobra Kai?
Sal Rodriguez (07:15):
It says Cobra Kai luck yellow and black design and
of course Johnny has in hissleeveless gi so this is the
official ad for all Valley lucknow the thing of it is this
isn't necessarily what 16 yearold Johnny Lawrence though it's
almost more like an adult JohnnyLawrence representing his former
(07:37):
self it's almost like he'srepresenting his own childhood
which is kind of twilight zoneit
Jason Connell (07:42):
you're gonna fight in the Masters division
now.
Sal Rodriguez (07:45):
There should be a Masters division former
champions masters division. Andthen we have of course the back
of Daniel Russo has me
Jason Connell (07:54):
yeah, nice There we go. Always got one more of
those things that the icon herehas had the chest the middle
Sal Rodriguez (08:02):
Yes, yes, they call that a diaphragm slice to
be honest I'm not I'm not notjust love big fan. You know what
happens a few years ago nowfirst of all, just to be clear,
I love Diamond Select they're abig part of my overall toy
collection I also make Marvelfigures they make beautiful
Avengers figures Diamond Selectis also Marvel Select if you
(08:22):
ever see that name on any Marvelfigures it is indeed the same
company Diamond Select okay ilove Diamond Select I love
Marvel Select and unfortunatelywhat Diamond Select and by
consequence Marvel Select haveboth done is they've kind of
bent and suede to the people whoreally love a lot of
articulation. Now what the morearticulation the better. So what
(08:43):
happens is they put morearticulation and figure but I do
think when you do so you losesome of the sculpt, you lose
some of the aesthetics. So allof a sudden the the waistline
looks a little bit verydifferent. Yes, yeah, it has
sort of a weird right there.
There you can see it. Okay,right there, you see that slice.
It gives you more movement,right, but then it looks weird.
So it's nothing against DiamondSelect. But it has to do with
(09:05):
that style that slice I'm not abig fan of that slice, I would
rather just go ahead and have asolid torso. And then you can
just go ahead and have the waisttwist.
Jason Connell (09:15):
You want to do that maybe have actual cloth
ghee on
Sal Rodriguez (09:19):
them. That's going to change the whole look
though. And that gets into acertain kind of figure. That's
the retro style, the migos stylefigures, which have their
following and I've got severalbut some people don't like the
real cloth. They don't like therequest. They like the all
plastic look. So here No.
Jason Connell (09:34):
Waste is a bit odd, but I've seen that more and
more. Oh, there they are. Theyhave the headbands on. Who's
taller, taller, because in thislooks like Johnny's a little bit
taller, but I'm in box.
Sal Rodriguez (09:47):
I think they're about the same height. I don't
think they're the same height inreal life. Right? But I think
these are all about same becausewhat they do is they may just
reuse the body just painteddifferently. This may be the
same exact body with differentplastic moldings on a different
design but actually the sameSame exact figure except for the
colors and the head itself and
Jason Connell (10:04):
aged because they're definitely not in the
80s
Sal Rodriguez (10:08):
this is not young
Jason Connell (10:09):
Daniels like 35 year olds running around
Sal Rodriguez (10:13):
Okay, so it's not current day Yeah, it's sort of
like a yeah like a 30 Somethinginteresting a 30 Something
Johnnie a 30 Something Danielspeaking of as part of a
previous release by DiamondSelect we have our friend Chris
crease here. Merry Christmascrease. Crease Kringle.
Jason Connell (10:30):
Wow. So are they all are part of the same company
right Diamond Select?
Sal Rodriguez (10:35):
Oh yeah, this is a Diamond Select figure. This is
John crease. This was part of athree pack that was previously
released by divers. Does he
Jason Connell (10:41):
have the tattoo on the arm there? Oh my gosh.
Wow. It is? Yeah. Does he lookyounger? I'm trying to like see
oh,
Sal Rodriguez (10:51):
yeah, well, what Martin Cagney, Lacey Cagney and
Lacey Martin Cove. Yeah. Sothere's how he looks together.
Jason Connell (10:59):
That'd be clear.
I wasn't calling him Cagney andLacey. He was on the show Cagney
and Lacey back in the 80s.
Sal Rodriguez (11:05):
Oh, yeah. No, I remember him. No, I
Jason Connell (11:07):
thought I know.
First. I know, you
Sal Rodriguez (11:09):
know, but when I first saw Karate Kid for the
first time, I think I knew thatguy from CAG. Yeah, I saw him on
some ABC show.
Jason Connell (11:16):
earlier. I was saying to time Johnny Lawrence
champion. It's just the way it'swritten. Obviously, I was
supposed to say two timechampion, Danny Lawrence.
Sal Rodriguez (11:25):
No, no, you were announcing it.
Jason Connell (11:26):
I just said Daniel Lawrence. That was a
mashup. It's late in RhodeIsland two time champion, Johnny
Lawrence. Two time champion,Daniel Russo. It is late in
Rhode Island. It's pushing 1am.
And we don't usually record thislate but we're having fun. So
beautiful set. Now let's look atthe back because the back this
isn't really beautiful that theyhave this come up with their own
(11:49):
little verbiage here. Let usread this and try to be fun and
festive and you can insert theactual figures during the during
the speech here. So and it's asmall font. So here we go. Since
1969, the all Valley under 18karate tournament has crowned a
new champion of excellence everyyear to distinguish young
(12:13):
martial artists excelled theirway to consecutive
championships, Johnny Lawrencein 1982 and 1983 and Daniel
Russo in 1984 and 1985. Bothhave since passed on their
teachings. Lawrence at Cobra Kaiand later Eagle fan karate, and
(12:35):
lo Russo at his Miyagi dough andtrain new all Valley
competitors. There you have it.
A very beautiful commemorativeset. All Valley embraces them
both. However, so well. JohnnyLawrence has gotten the short
(12:59):
end of the stick on the show.
Anytime they talk about two timechampion. It took Daniel low
Russa to go over and say he alsowon two times and then he's
acknowledged when you walk intothe all Valley sports arena. You
see right arena not complex. Yousee who hanging from the rafters
(13:20):
those old photos you see Danielhe's always the one that
everyone wants to like put ontheir you know arms and carry
around and even Johnny getsworked up with his Daniel here.
All right, loose. So here yougo. But Johnny doesn't get
enough recognition sound just tobe clear.
Sal Rodriguez (13:41):
Well, I think that's what started the whole
Cobra Kai movement is right andwhat Oh, totally. Yes, right.
The old ace degenerate. Hestarted as ace degenerate, he's
no longer now he's at least ashis evolution. Jason, I want to
give an honorable mention. Ihappened to discover this figure
at target one. Okay. And this isa Hasbro. Daniel Russo. What
(14:03):
they did is they merged CobraKai and the Power Rangers. Yeah,
they merge Power Rangers withCobra Kai and we have a White
Ranger Daniel Russo. This ismade by Hasbro. They also made a
Sam the SAM does not look somuch like Sam. But they also
have a SAM so they have a Samand that doesn't look like
Daniel. Well, this is the PowerRangers Cobra Kai action figure
(14:26):
hybrid by Hasbro. BBD it's aBuck Rogers and they go Twiggy
they they go It does look realsmall connects to the look how
much bigger look how much biggerthe Diamond Select is.
Jason Connell (14:35):
Wow. Wow,
Sal Rodriguez (14:37):
it looks like you'd be his son. This this
should be Anthony Russo. Yeah,totally. This should be
Jason Connell (14:42):
well, back to this box. The celebration of
these champions I get it so theydon't really embrace Gianni
until now. Right they did backthen. Until he lost all of a
sudden he's like yeah two timechamp whatever. We got the new
champ here. Let us not forget weshould not overly celebrate 80
(15:04):
fives Championship. The waywe're talking about two time
champ they're playing up 85 abit heavy here a bit heavy hand.
It's all I'm saying. All Thingsaren't equal. Right? We didn't
see Johnny when? In 8283. But wesaw Johnny compete in 84. And he
would have won that. Had it goneany longer. Right? Yeah. Well,
(15:27):
of course, Daniel had a bunch ofD cues to get there and he had a
tough road there. But I ventureto say that Johnny in 82 and 83
didn't win how Daniel wanted 85.
So I just want to be on therecord. Once again. 85 Daniel
Russo, the champ scored onepoint in the entire all Valley
(15:48):
tournament.
Sal Rodriguez (15:52):
For the record, Jason Connell would like to put
an asterisk next to the 85
Jason Connell (15:57):
I'm not dissing Daniel, I love Daniela Russo.
I'm generally making fun ofcredit card part three and the
tack Don Valley that they have.
Sal Rodriguez (16:07):
While the all Valley rules Yeah, you have to
talk to the valley board. Theboard. Five Board, who was the
85 board who decided that thatwas okay to do
Jason Connell (16:17):
my god. Something just hit me. Something just hit
me and I wonder.
Sal Rodriguez (16:24):
Yeah,
Jason Connell (16:25):
I'm speculating here. But we know that Terry
silver, John crease, and MikeBarnes all got a lifetime ban.
Yes, after the Karate Kid partthree and into Cobra Kai, it was
since changed because, you know,they got to compete, but they
had to prove themselves but theywere banned. And we were always
(16:46):
speculated what was it? Was itbecause they were doing Mike
Barnes beat him up, get a pointtaken away and then score a
point which has its own sidestory. That's ridiculous that
you can hurt someone lose apoint but not be D queued as
they were in the Karate Kid WhenDutch got D queued and know that
(17:06):
sorry, Destiny get the kid helost but Bobby got the kid. But
that said maybe just maybe theyhad the lifetime ban because
Terry silver paid off all valleywith these. Like, could that be
the case? Like you went in hereand you're paying off these guys
(17:28):
to get Daniel to be in and ziphim to the finals? It was some
of that at play. Have we evertalked about that?
Sal Rodriguez (17:37):
I don't know.
Jason. I don't know. You knowwhat they say that like a cop? I
think I heard this from a cop.
The first time you catchsomebody shoplifting is not the
first time they shop. Exactly.
Okay, so so we got to see Terrysilver pay off a referee? Yeah.
Yeah. Probably not his firsttime doing that. No.
Jason Connell (17:54):
Wow. And I bet he paid off people on all Valley
just to get Daniel and like,Hey, let him skip ahead. Was
that really all Valley's ruleson their own? Or were they
influenced? Anyway, I just hadto point it out. Very
interesting not to take awayfrom Diamond Select. I really
love this.
Sal Rodriguez (18:12):
Oh, no, no, Jason Jason you're not taking away
from doing select becausebecause Diamond Select will be
releasing a three pack very soonnow featuring Johnny Lawrence.
chosen to Gucci. And Terrysilver. If I'm not mistaken, the
first Terry silver will be anaction figure form coming up
soon by Diamond Scylla. Wait,who is in it? John is gonna be
(18:35):
Johnny chosen Terry.
Jason Connell (18:37):
Are they are they friends? And are pros of Daniel.
What is?
Sal Rodriguez (18:43):
Yeah, you know what? It's the ultimate foes
pack is what it could be.
Jason Connell (18:46):
Yeah, it's foes before burrows. Yeah,
Sal Rodriguez (18:49):
I don't know. I don't know how now that you
mentioned, I don't know howthey're reconciling that three
pack but somehow they're sellingit as a three pack and if
they're selling a three packwith chosen Johnny and Terry,
I'm buying it act now.
Hopefully, because hopefullythey'll just said yes.
Jason Connell (19:01):
And as one act now and you can get all of the
foes from the Karate Kid when hefought Johnny Lawrence. And then
it was well, I guess John creaseis not in there. He could be in
there too. Right. But he couldbe but we already have here. The
second movie was absolutely. ToGucci chosen. And then the third
(19:21):
movie, it was Terry silver, butChris was there. He was thought
to be dead. But Chris surfaced.
Yeah. Wow. Fascinating stuff.
Yeah, the mortal enemy pack.
Sal Rodriguez (19:34):
I like it. Jason.
A couple things I want tomention about these figures
before we close here is you willnotice that the figures have a
hole on the back right there.
You can see that little hole.
Okay, you can see that littlehole and that is because inside
the box are what you call aflight stance. I think they call
it flight stance and that is astance that you can stick into
their back. And then you canhave them holding various poses
(19:55):
various martial arts poses thatthey otherwise be able to hold
and They also have holes in thebottom of their feet so you can
put them on stands as well soyou have many options to make
these not only articulatedfigures but also figures in
motion holding cool martial artsposes nice any way that you
like. So yeah, when you open upthe packaging, you will see
(20:16):
those stands inside there arealso some extra hands. So these
are not the only hands that theycome with. I believe they also
have at least one other extraset or about three hands each.
So there's a total of abouteight hands. Wow. Yeah, I think
they each have a pair I thinkthat's what they have parents.
lethal. Lethal Weapon handsperfect weapon.
Jason Connell (20:36):
perfect weapon.
Yeah, like those little holes onthem. That's good for yeah,
definitely videos and doingreviews and such also great at
all valley. If it did stick oneof those guys up on the board
there.
Sal Rodriguez (20:49):
What they need is a real nice all Valley playset.
That would be Yeah,
Jason Connell (20:52):
that's amazing.
So Chris, again, on his own, butit's also Diamond Select right?
Yep. Okay, and then the threepack comes out when
Sal Rodriguez (21:02):
I don't have a definitive date. I think it may
be the third quarter of thisyear. So but it is on its way.
It might be a conventionexclusive. But maybe if our new
friend Zack at Diamond Select iskind to us, we might be able to
get our hands on that three packand be able to get to have those
here in studio talking aboutYeah, the great foes of the
Karate Kid.
Jason Connell (21:21):
So if you're at Target or online or wherever you
go, how much to set you back.
Sal Rodriguez (21:27):
You know, this is a specialty set. Although I was
able to find the Mighty MorphinPower Rangers, Daniel Russo on
the shelf at Target. I'd be hardpressed to believe that the all
Valley set will be at Target. Ibelieve it'll probably have to
be ordered online. So I've justtell everybody to go to your
favorite toy providers, Whoeversells Karate Kid Cobra Kai
merchandise and particularlyaction figures and ask about the
all Valley Johnny and DanielTupac by Diamond Select.
Jason Connell (21:50):
But how much can they expect to pay for this? Ah,
ballpark?
Sal Rodriguez (21:55):
I'm gonna guess about 100 Yeah, okay, that's
gonna be my guess I don't knowfor certain because again, these
were donated samples to us byDiamond Select so I'm gonna
guess it's about $100 I wouldimagine and I'm gonna, I'm gonna
mark my words. We're approachingthe final season of Cobra Kai.
Once that season has come andgone, these figures will go up
in value and will go up in cost.
Jason Connell (22:16):
And I totally agree with you and I have now
signed this one and this oneshouldn't have the roof at the
Sal Rodriguez (22:23):
top Cobra Kai all Valley pack. I love it.
Jason Connell (22:26):
Amazing, Sal.
Thank you. Thank you, Zack.
Thank you Diamond Select. Ireally liked these and I will
unbox them but since you did it,it helps us noise not to have me
do it as well. So I'm gonna putthese down.
Sal Rodriguez (22:38):
I don't know Jason, you're a minimalist. You
don't like a lot of clutter. No,I think you've got a nice
display there in the box. I saylet me let me have him running
around. Yeah, my apartment. Keepthem in the box. They look
gorgeous. I'll have mine loose.
Jason Connell (22:50):
Sounds good. I love it. So until we come back
for volume for whatever that maybe. It's been a lot of fun.
We've covered three volumes andthere are a lot more Karate Kid
and Cobra Kai collectiblescoming your way. Yes. So thank
you so much for listening andplease be sure to subscribe to
(23:11):
the let's talk Cobra Kai podcastand the let's talk Cobra Kai
YouTube Live Channel. You canalso really help us by giving
the show a five star rating onApple podcast.
Sal Rodriguez (23:22):
And for all you listeners and enjoy sharing your
thoughts you can leave us areview on Apple podcasts, send
us a direct message or post acomment on any let's talk Cobra
Kai social media platform.
Jason Connell (23:32):
We also highly recommend checking out her other
podcast and visiting justcurious media.com
Sal Rodriguez (23:40):
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